Alex de Minaur has learned the hard way how to pace himself in tournaments and one of the biggest lessons is that it is not just about preserving physical energy.
The Australian No.1 admits he used to beat himself up, picking holes in his performance, even when winning. All that negative energy gradually drained him just as much as a long game could deplete his physical reserves.
So after a second Wimbledon performance that left a bit to be desired he was still content, describing his 109-minute 6-3 6-2 6-2 dismissal of French veteran Adrian Mannarino as "clean" even as he admitted "I think I've got more to give."
